Blandford Select Board hears Gateway Regional faces $1.5 million budget shortfall

BLANDFORD — March 30, 2026 — Blandford Select Board takes up Gateway Regional's $1.5 million budget crisis and defers road paving decisions to next week. Gateway Regional School District Superintendent Dr. Matosaro told the board Monday that a $1.5 million increase in fixed costs — driven by health insurance, contractual obligations, and Hampshire County retirement contributions — was met with only $112,000 in new Chapter 70 state aid, forcing the school committee to reduce capital stabilization fund contributions in order to preserve positions including a music teacher, school adjustment counselor, and special education staff. Blandford's annual Gateway assessment is approximately $1.78 million. A school committee member representing Blandford disclosed that an incoming family of more than 10 children, all reportedly requiring special education services, chose Blandford specifically because of Gateway's program. The superintendent acknowledged the stabilization fund reallocation is "a short-term solution" and committed to return in 90 days with capital project cost estimates and a funding plan. Highway Superintendent Ray presented paving estimates of $66,175 for a mill-and-fill of Watson Park Road and $61,756 for the town hall parking lot using the town's $1,555,455 Chapter 90 account; both items were tabled to next Monday's meeting.